Telangana Health Department Offers Second Chance to 94 Absent Doctors
In a significant move to tackle the ongoing faculty shortage in government medical colleges and hospitals across Telangana, the health department has decided to grant another opportunity to 94 government doctors who were previously issued show-cause notices for prolonged unauthorized absence. This decision comes as the state grapples with critical staffing gaps in its healthcare institutions.
Initial Notices and Responses
Initially, show-cause notices were served to 115 doctors who had been absent from their duties without proper authorization for varying periods. Of these, 21 doctors responded to the notices, expressing their willingness to continue working in their respective roles. Out of these respondents, 20 have already resumed their duties, while one doctor, who is currently pursuing an MCh in Urology, is expected to return to work upon completion of the course.
Review Meeting and Decision
A senior official from the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) office explained that a review meeting was conducted to assess the responses and willingness of the doctors to continue their service. The remaining 94 doctors did not attend this meeting or respond within the stipulated timeframe. However, the department opted to provide them with another chance, acknowledging that some may have been unable to participate due to being posted outside their designated duty locations.
Scope of Absences and Affected Departments
Officials revealed that the absentees included doctors who had been away at various times between 2013 and 2024. In six specific cases, the doctors did not take up their posts at all after being appointed. The notices were issued to assistant and associate professors from key departments such as obstetrics and gynaecology, general medicine, general surgery, anaesthesiology, paediatrics, and radiology, highlighting the breadth of the impact on medical services.
Underlying Issues: Poor Pay and Working Conditions
A senior government doctor pointed out that poor pay structures and challenging working conditions are major factors discouraging doctors from joining or continuing in government service. "Recruitment was conducted based on UGC norms, but salaries are often limited to basic pay, with no additional allowances such as transport, non-practice, or proper house rent allowance," the doctor stated. There is also no pay differentiation for super-speciality professors, unlike in other states that offer better incentives.
The doctor further emphasized that inadequate infrastructure and health coverage for doctors, coupled with high inflation and a heavy workload due to existing vacancies, make it increasingly difficult to attract and retain qualified faculty. This situation exacerbates the faculty shortage, impacting the quality of medical education and patient care in Telangana.
Implications for Healthcare in Telangana
This decision to give absent doctors another chance is part of broader efforts to address the critical shortage of medical faculty in the state. By offering a reprieve, the health department aims to stabilize staffing levels and improve healthcare delivery. However, without addressing the root causes such as compensation and working conditions, long-term retention may remain a challenge.
The move underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in government healthcare employment to ensure sustainable staffing and enhanced medical services for the people of Telangana.
